Toto Wolff insists Mercedes relishes the challenge of matching the efforts of the chasing pack as it sets about maintaining its position at the top of the 2014 pecking order.

Mercedes heads to the first European race of the season in a commanding position having won all four of the opening races. The three weeks in between the last flyaway race and Barcelona are traditionally a perfect time for teams to make significant upgrades to their cars and Mercedes boss Wolff insists the team is ready for the fight.

"The first European round of the year always provides a prime opportunity for teams to arrive with improvements to their cars," Wolff said. "Of course, we are no different to any other team in that respect and our aim must be to increase the advantage we enjoyed at the last race in China.

"We have seen already that our rivals are relentless in their efforts to close the gap. As a team, it is up to us to rise to that challenge: to take that relentless mentality to an even greater extent than those around us."

Despite Mercedes' big advantage this season, Wolff is still adamant the team is not taking anything for granted after just four races.

"We are now four races into the 2014 season and hold a strong position in both Championships. If we are to build a sustained level of success in this sport, any small advantage must be seen as a platform upon which to build a bigger advantage.

"We head to Barcelona on good form and in high spirits. But, most importantly, we approach the next race weekend as we approached the first: in the knowledge that there is still a long season ahead and anything can happen."